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USMEF Briefs New Colorado Ag Commissioner on Impact of Red Meat Exports

Published: Apr 29, 2015

Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Don Brown (far left) receives on overview of USMEF’s role in the global promotion of U.S. beef, pork and lamb

Colorado’s recently appointed commissioner of agriculture visited USMEF headquarters this week to learn about the many roles USMEF plays in the international marketing of beef, pork and lamb.

Don Brown, a third-generation beef and corn farmer from Yuma County in northeastern Colorado, was appointed to the position in January. He was joined on his visit to USMEF by Tom Lipetzky, director of marketing programs and strategic initiatives at the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

USMEF President and CEO Philip Seng, Senior Vice President of Marketing Dan Halstrom, Senior Vice President of Technical Services Paul Clayton and Assistant Vice President of Industry Relations John Hinners presented Brown and Lipetzky with an overview of USMEF’s mission, funding sources, member organizations and the worldwide network USMEF has built to promote U.S. red meat.

Brown acknowledged the importance of promoting U.S.-produced meat and the vital work being done by USMEF around the globe.

"Beef, pork and lamb are some of the most important exports for Colorado and contribute significantly to our agricultural economy,” Brown said during his visit. “We take a lot of pride in supplying some of the best animal proteins to customers around the world."

USMEF’s presentation also highlighted the broad range of support it receives from Colorado-based producer organizations and companies.

On that topic, Brown pointed out that agriculture continues to be one of Colorado's most important industries, with livestock being a driving force.

“Colorado's vast natural resources, Western heritage, and innovative spirit all contribute to our capacity to produce a diversity of food and ag products not common to other states,” he said. “My vision is to make Colorado agriculture even stronger and more visible, both here and globally."